Padma Lakshmi

Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi has launched her new cook-book. It is tantalizingly titled 'Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet'. The former super-model has previously released an autobiographical cooking-manual named Easy Exotic which was well received. Hope the second book too will be equally successful.

movie review : 2012

My teenaged cousin recommended this movie, so I went to watch it though I have an aversion for such movies. The previous disaster-movie I watched in theatres is Armageddon way back in the 90's. Then I almost fell asleep , bored of watching the destruction & mayhem. This time I managed to ward-off falling asleep. Infact the movie 2012 is throw back to 90's style of film-making. But one often gets the feeling that this style has run its course and is fast getting out-dated.

Undoubtedly 2012 is treat for special-effect fans. The whole experience is similar to that of playing a video-game , or taking a joy-ride in a theme-park. There is a feeling of instant-high which will fade sooner or later. And apart from the special-effects there is nothing else worth noting. None of the charactors stuck in the mind. The screen-play ( if such a thing exists) is shoddy. The dialogues are cliched and artificial. The back-ground score is predictable. The story-line has an uncanny resemblance of H.G Wells' short-story The Star (which deals with a star that is heading towards earth , causing many natural disasters in our planet) though Wells does not specify any particular date for the event. Like a typical Hollywood blockbuster, 2012 also has Us vs Them theme - only difference being Them is not an alien but nature's fury.

Many similar movies have released particlarly in last decade are from the same director but 2012 shows his prowess are on decline. Neveretheless the director succeeds in highlightinging the impact of world-end on different individuals according to their attitude towards life which he potrays satirically. For example, in one such scene where the fast impending disaster being watched by a pessimistic, lonely radio-jockey and the ever-optimistic hero . The first man smiles and even laughs at the dreadfull sight of nature's fury while the hero - a family man with a wife and 2 kids - wore a dump-founded expression , a la Kate Winslett of Titanic.


So if you are a die-hard special-effects fan , then go for it. Or if your idea for a perfect movie-outing is a small,quiet Woody Allen kind of movie , then ignore '2012'.

Jason Scott Lee

THEN & NOW ..

notable movies :

Blind Fury (1989) Uncredited, Bruce Lee's Brother
Back to the Future Part II (1989) Whitey
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993) Bruce Lee

The Jungle Book (1994) Mowgli
Soldier (1998) Caine 607
Arabian Nights (2000) Aladdin
Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision (2004)
The Prophecy: Forsaken (2005)
Nomad (2006)
Dance of the Dragon (2008) Cheng

movie review: Pazhassi Raja (2009)

I have been hearing good reviews about the latest movie Pazhassi Raja. So I went to watch this brilliant movie last week-end. It's not often that I go to the theatres to watch a movie, especially in a place where Bollywood is dominent. As a rule, a typical Bollywood movie always fail to live up to the expectations & hype and most of them are a copy of major Hollywood movies. They cater to the needs of mostly an ignorant and illiterete masses. In such a scenario, Pazhassi Raja - a regional Malayalam language movie comes as a whiff of fresh air.

The film tells the real-life story of Pazhassi Raja , the 18-th century king of Kerala who waged a guerilla-war against the colonialists with the help of tribals. The story-line of Pazhassi Raja has all the ingredients of a historical-flick, with its warrior-heroes, cold-blooded villains and treacherous-traitors. What makes the movie stands-out is its sheer international quality . 'Pazhassi Raja' is a double-treat for movie-goers : apart from being a good historical movie, it is also a brilliant action-movie. The action sequences are of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon tradition but never even once the movie resort to Bollywood style copying. Infact 'Pazhassi Raja' can boost on its own a few innovative fight-sequences. The director(Hariharan) himself is no stranger to making movies based Kerala's martial-arts Kalarippayattu and its legends. The story-line of Pazhassi Raja is more akin to another international movie with oriental-theme The
Last Samurai (2003) - esp. clash between two distinct cultures and mode of warfare - ie. sword/bow & arrow versus guns & cannons.

One such spectacular action-scene : the colonialists entraps Pazhassi Raja at his home and arrests him; the king gallantly gave himself up offering no resistance; but before being taken away the Raja asks his wife to get some water ; wife brings the cup on a brass-plate ; on the pretext of drinking water, Pazhassi Raja instead unleashes from the brass-plate an urumi

(a long, flexible sword) and as his captors watch in wonderment the brass-plate and cup that has shot up in the air (in slow-motion) , the 'urumi' falls on them like thunderbolt, creating all round destruction and mayhem.

Full credit to the action-director and the special-effects team. Infact the movie displays an array of talented and experienced film-personalities who have long proved their mettle in their respective fields. The sound-editing is done by none other than the Oscar-winner (Slumdog-Millionaire) Resul Pookutty. The back-ground score is by the Beethoven of India - Ilayaraja. The doyen of Malayalam literature M.T Vasudevan Nair has written a well-knit screen-play. The art-direction too is equally of world-class.

Among the actors, the Mega-star of Kerala - Mammooty is perfect in his potrayal as the warrior-king. Mammooty has this knack of getting under the skin of his charecters effortlessly - Pazhassi Raja is no exception. I expect no less than a National Award for his performance. The Tamil super-star Sarath Kumar excells as a second-hero with his great physique and action-skills. The cast & crew also include many foreign artists and technicians as well .
The review would not be complete with paying homage to the director HariHaran. For a film-maker who has been in the industry for 30-years, who has made movies in every genre - art-house,comedy, musicals, historicals - his command over the meduim is unparellel. 'Pazhassi Raja' turned out to be his magnum-opus.

More over Pazhassi Raja is a triump for the regional-language films in India which has long been in the shadows of Bollywood. At a time when the big bad Bollywood is rotting under a feudalistic, clan based system which has marked the end of creativity, the movie Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (the full-title of the movie) shows what can be achieved if the best of creative minds come together.

Elvis Presley

Kentucky rain -
[C]Seven lonely [G]days and a [C]dozen towns a[F]go,
I [C]reached out one [F]night and you were [C]gone.[C7]
[F]Don't know why you'd [G]run, what you're [C]running to or [Am]from,
[D7]all I know is I want to bring you [G7]home.
So I'm [C]walking in the [G]rain, [C]thumbing for a [F]ride on this
[C]lonely Ken[F]tucky [C]backroad.[C7]
I've [F]loved you much too [G]long and [C]my love's too [Am]strong
to [D7]let you go, never knowing what went [G7]wrong.[Fmaj7]
[D7]Kentucky rain keeps pouring [C]do[Bm]wn [Em]and up ahead's another [Am]town
[G]that [F]I'll [Em]go [F]walking [C]thru [Fmaj7]with the [C]rain in my [Em]shoes,[Am][Em][C]
[Am]searchin [Am7]for [F]you [G7]in the cold Kentucky [C]rain, [Em][F]
in the [G7]cold Kentucky [C]rain.
[C]Showed your photo[G]graph to some [C]old gray bearded [F]men
sitting [C]on a bench out[F]side a gen'ral [C]store.[C7]
They said "[F]Yes, she's been [G]here" but their [C]mem'ry wasn't [Am]clear,
was it [D7]yesterday, no, wait the day be[G7]fore.
So I [C]fin'ly got a [G]ride with a [C]preacher man who
[F]asked: "Where you [C]bound on such a dark [F]after[C]noon?"[C7]
As we [F]drove on thru the [G]rain as he l[C]istened
I ex[Am]plained and he [D7]left me with a prayer that I'd find [G7]you.[Fmaj7]
[D7]Kentucky rain keeps pouring [C]do[Bm]wn [Em]and up ahead's another [Am]town
[G]that [F]I'll [Em]go [F]walking [C]thru [Fmaj7]with the [C]rain in my [Em]shoes,[Am][Em][C]
[Am]searchin [Am7]for [F]you [G7]in the cold Kentucky [C]rain, [Em][F]
in the [G7]cold Kentucky [C]rain[Em][F], in the [G7]cold...
(fade)

kabsa

It was while living in Saudi Arabia 2-years ago I discovered this brilliant Arabic cuisine called Kabsa. The very mention of it brings water into my mouth. I was in Saudi as an under-study, to help out my uncle who is in the heavy-industries business.
Saudi Arabia is a country which stands half in medieval-times and half in modern-times. Much of the 21-st century leisure activities are taboo or unheard of in this ultra- conservative country. (Though there are efforts of late to change it but it will be a slow process.) Like all tribal communities, in Saudi too , eating (feasting) is a leisure activity as singing & dancing (strictly for men). And the dish which all Saudis (and the expatriates) like is Kabsa.

'Kabsa' is considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia but its origin not Arabian. Atleast that's what my hosts told me. After all, the main dish in the whole of Arabia consists of Quboos (wheat-bread), dates and meat (washed down with some camel-milk). But 'Kabsa' is a rice-based cuisine much like Biryani of the sub-continent. Therefore the origin of kabsa could be either central-asian or turkish. Or like itsmany ingrediants, Kabsa may have born out a mixture of various cultures.
Whatever be its origin , it is now a familiar sight in Saudi where gents sit in a circle (like they do in the deserts). If they are laidback and chatting, they will have black-tea. If they are leaning forward and busily engaged in the large bowl in front of them, then they are having 'kabsa'.

Despite my high-profile job including a spacious office, I do not regret leaving this boring, medieval country for good. Unless you are an expatriate whose sole aim is to make pot full of money, there is nothing else - particularly for anyone with an artistic & creative mind. Even though my employers greatly miss me (and I greatly miss them) so I am not keen to return .I feel I would rather be at home in a futuristic, hi-tech utopia than a medieval dystopia.
But I greatly miss one of my most favourite dishes - Kabsa !!!

Slum-dogs

As I write this, the Slum-dog Millionaire team are in the city to inaugurate a fast-food outlet. Last week they were in another city, for the opening of another show-room. I feel happy for these 'slum-dogs'- as they are popularly known, esp. the real slum-kids Azhar and Rubina .They are having a great time.But I cant help thinking -just imagine - what if such a movie was never made ? Or just imagine what was their situation one or two years ago ? Or just imagine the thousands who still live in the slums in wretched conditions ? One feels indepted to a film-maker such as Danny Boyle for giving them a new respectablity .
I hope that more 'slum-dogs' will emerge from obscurity and deprivation - especially in a land where oppurtunities and accolodes are the monopoly of a privilaged few.

creativity

Continueing with Tagore's selected letters, the sensitive young poet describe to his niece about an artist's frustration and craving for recognition.
Cuttack,Feb.1892

I maintain that until we can achieve something we should live incognito.So long as we are fit only for condescension from others, how can we make a show of our true selves in front of them ? When we have established some position in the world, and had a share in shaping its course , then we can meet it with a frank face. Till then let us keep in the background, remain
silent, and do our own work.
Our countrymen hold the opposite view: Whatever work is backstage or private they deem insignificant. The more transient and vainglorious the task in hand, the better they like it. Ours is truly a God-forsaken land. To hold on to the strength of will to do is so difficult here. One gets no real assistance. There is no one for miles and miles around whose conversation might inject one with vitality. No one is thinking, feeling or working. Of genuine striving no one has experience; not a single mature human being is to be found. Everyone moves about like ghosts. They eat and drink, do their office work, sleep and smoke, and chatter nonsensically.When they touch upon emotion they grow sentimental, when they reason they are childish. One yearns for the company of a full-blooded, sturdy, and capable personality, instead of these insubstantial
creatures that flit about, unattached to the world.
And so the hours pass. Now it is late afternoon. It is not yet cold, and as I look out the sun pours
down.

from book: Selected Letters of Tagore

edited & translated by: Krishna Dutta/Andrew Robinson

Diana King

Title: Diana King - L-L-L-L-Lies lyrics
Artist: Diana King Lyrics

Oh why, oh why, oh why,
You tell me l-l-l-lies
Never t-t-t-t-think
That I woulda re-a-li-a-li-a-lize
Things you say-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay
Will make you fay-ay-ay-ade away
So b-b-b-bye-bye-bye-bye(goodbye)

12 o'clock last night in a club
U an a girl do de rub-a-dub-dub
Short black dress and long curly hair
Don't deny it cause I saw you dere
Step 1 mi did dede when you giv her di line
Step 2 mi did dede when you looked so sincere
Step 3 mi did dede when you hold her close and
Tell her everything dat she waah fe fear
Why you play those games,
Those g-g-g-games with me
Oh,oh,oh,oh,no,no,no,no,no.......
Oh why,oh why,oh why,
You tell me l-l-l-lies
Never t-t-t-t-t-think
That I woulda re-a-li-a-li-a-lize
Things you say-ay-ay-ay-ay
Will make you fay-ay-ayay-ade away
So b-b-b-b-bye-bye-bye-bye
B-b-b-b-bye-bye-bye(goodbye)

12 o'clock in a de afternoon
U come around wit di same old tune
Gwan on an on like say everything fine
When all di time me know sey a lie,you did a lie
Step 1 me did dede when u give her de kiss
Step 2 mi two eyes as me witness
Step 3 giv mi mi keys and exit please
Your day done so u better move on
Why you play those games
Those g-g-g-games with me
Oh,oh,oh,oh,no.No.No.No,no,no....
Oh why,oh why,oh why....

C.L.R James

Reknowned scholar and cricket-historian Ramachandra Guha writes in The HINDU Daily and tells us why "Beyond A Boundary" is often reputed as the best book written on sports if not cricket.

Born in the Trinidadian village of Tunapuna in 1901 , C.L.R James was educated on the pitches of the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain and, more formally, in the Queen's Royal College. After school, he worked as a teacher and critic. In 1930 he travelled to England at the invitation of his friend Learie Constantine, then playing as a professional in the Lancashire Leagues. He was carrying with him the manuscript of his first book, The Case for West Indian Self-Government. The book was published in 1932 by Leonard and Virginia Woolf at the Hogarth Press. The next year appeared Constantine's autobiography, Cricket and I, a work that, if not exactly ghosted, was guided and put into proper shape by James.
At this time, James also worked as a cricket correspondent for the Manchester Guardian. In the winters he studied history and Marxism. These endeavours resulted, in 1938, in the publication of his book The Black Jacobins, a brilliant analysis of a successful slave revolt that took place in Haiti towards the end of the 18th Century. In the same year James went to the United States, where he organised Black workers and catalysed Marxist groups through his speaking and writing. In 1953, at the height of the McCarthyist "Red Scare", he was deported for his views, but appealed against the order. While the case was being heard he was in an internment camp on Ellis Island, working on a book on Hermann Melville.

James lost his case, and returned to England. He began watching and writing about cricket once more, and helped that other great West Indian cricketing pioneer, George Headley, to put together his memoirs. In 1958, James was called back to Trinidad. Here, as the editor of the The Nation newspaper, he played a critical role in the campaign to have Frank Worrell chosen as the first Black captain of the West Indies. The job done, he came back to England, where he was based until his death in 1989.
James had been working on Beyond a Boundary all his life, but it was good that its eventual publication was delayed. For it finally came out in the summer of 1963, and was thus read and discussed in England at the same time as Frank Worrell's team was stylishly outplaying the home side in the Tests of that year. With justifiable pride, the author wrote to the West Indian manager that "as I see the book it is 12th man on your sides".
Beyond a Boundary is a work of history, a magisterial analysis of the role played by sport in the making of the modern world. It is also anthropology, an exploration of the impact of colour and class on the cricket field. It is comparative sociology, locating the West Indian experience in the light of Victorian England and the ancient Greeks. It is autobiography, an account of one man's lifelong engagement with the game of cricket. And it is literature, a piece of writing crafted with care and love, a work that captures with subtly all the moods of the human experience: happiness, humour, triumph, tragedy, and despair.
Like no other work I know, Beyond a Boundary beautifully brings together these different genres of literature and scholarship. I have read, and re-read, the book for its evocative portraits of West Indian cricketers, the immortals such as Headley and Constantine and the now forgotten local heroes such as George John and Wilton St. Hill. I have read it for its account of colonial cricket clubs obsessed with shades of white and black, for its analysis (still unequalled by any British writer) of what W. G. Grace meant to his Age, for its account of the Worrell campaign, and-not least-for its fine technical understanding of the game, its perfectly executed cameos of strokeful innings and hostile bowling spells.
Despite its periodic reprinting in the West, Beyond a Boundary remains a book difficult to get hold of. Not many copies, for good reason, get into the second-hand shops (who, having got one, would ever want to dispose of it?) The reader in search of a copy to own might try his luck on the Net.

courtesy: The Hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/lr/2008/01/06/stories/2008010650030200.htm

Modern Talking

You're My Heart, You're My Soul

Em Am
You're my heart, you're my soul,
D Em
I keep it shining everywhere I go.
\ Am
You're my heart, you're my soul,
D
I'll be holding you forever, stay with you together. ~ ~
Em Am
You're my heart, you're my soul,
D Em
yeah, a feeling that our love will grow.
\ Am
You're my heart, you're my soul,
D Em
that's the only thing I really know.

Em D
1. Deep in my heart, there's a fire, burning hard,
Em D
deep in my heart, there's desire for a start.
Am Em
I'm dying in emotion, it's my world in fantasy,
C Am D
I'm living in my, living in my dreams. + CHORUS

Em D
2. Let's close the door and believe my burning heart.
Em D
Feeling alright, come on, open up your heart.
Am Em
I'll keep the candles burning, let your body melt in mine,
C Am D
I'm living in my, living in my dreams. + CHORUS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IbPGxYWS_k

Birthday

I celebrated my birthday in a low-key manner with my few friends and well-wishers. The day was fine and everything went well on the occasion. I had no problem purchasing the birthday-cake, thanks to the newly launched brand called Reimann's. Usually I used to go to a pastry shop and wonder which one to pick. The confusion occurs when you have to consider personnel preferences with the tastes of others. This time I straight went to the Super-market and picked up a box of Reimann's chocolate cheese-cake. The cake turned out to be a big hit with the guests.

There was a time when I used to expect too much from this day. And if I couldn't make a big bash of it, I'd feel depressed. But now I have become more wiser. The less the expectations, more the better. I am usually influenced by the book I am reading. Currently it's Fyodor Dostoevsky's "The Idiot". There are a fair share of parties and get-togethers in this book and the deatailed description of it makes interesting reading. There is a laid-back and leisurely atmosphere in these parties which I fancy.The hosts and guests does not expect too much from it except for the sake of a get-together,enjoyment and merriment.

I know it's not easy to replicate 19-th century attitude in the 21-st century. After all time is a big factor now-adays. 'Time is money' is a popular adage. In any case, I am happy and more happy than any of the previous birthdays. I dont know whether it's due to change of attitude or change of fortunes. Infact it's one that often leads to the other. There was a time when I used to fume and fret over any adversity or set-backs. Perhaps due to Osho's influence and the effect of dynamic-meditation, resulted in change of outlook towards life. I now realised that happiness is a state of mind. You can constantly ponder over the misfortunes and lead a life an unhappy wretch; or you can think about the things you have and be happy,condented and thankfull about it.
So I would like to thankfull- to God/Providence/Almighty; to my parents - though they are n't in best terms with each other; to my sisters -who always sent me best of their cuisine despite their busy professional life; to my nieces and nephews- who always inspire me with new ideas; to my dog Tuffy - who plays the pomeranian/comedian of our family; to Osho ; to Dostoevsky ;to blogger; and last but not the least to all my friends and well-wishers without whom life would n't be so colourfull.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WauFkb4jmCI

H.G Wells

Excerpts » H.G. Wells » The Invisible Man » Chapter 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Pull yourself together," said the voice, "for you have to do the job I've chosen for you."
Mr. Marvel blew out his cheeks, and his eyes were round.
"I've chosen you," said the voice. "You are the only man except some of those fools down there, who knows there is such a thing as an invisible man. You have to be my helper. Help me -- and I will do great things for you. An invisible man is a man of power." He stopped for a moment to sneeze violently.
"But if you betray me," he said, "if you fail to do as I direct you -- " He paused and tapped Mr. Marvel's shoulder smartly. Mr. Marvel gave a yelp of terror at the touch. "I don't want to betray you," said Mr. Marvel, edging away from the direction of the fingers. "Don't you go a-thinking that, whatever you do. All I want to do is to help you -- just tell me what I got do to. (Lord!) Whatever you want done, that I'm most willing to do."
Chapter 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------XIV. AT PORT STOWE
"There's a story," said the mariner, fixing Mr. Marvel with an eye that was firm and deliberate; "there's a story about an Invisible Man, for instance."
Mr. Marvel pulled his mouth askew and scratched his cheek and felt his ears glowing. "What will they be writing next?" he asked faintly. "Ostria, or America?"
"Neither," said the mariner. "Here!"
"Lord!" said Mr. Marvel, starting.
"When I say here," said the mariner, to Mr. Marvel's intense relief, "I don't of course mean here in this place, I mean hereabouts."
"An Invisible Man!" said Mr. Marvel. "And what's he been up to?"
"Everything," said the mariner, controlling Marvel with his eye, and then amplifying: "Every Blessed Thing."
"I ain't seen a paper these four days," said Marvel.
"Iping's the place he started at," said the mariner.
"In-deed!" said Mr. Marvel.
"He started there. And where he came from, nobody don't seem to know. Here it is: Pe Culiar Story from Iping. And it says in this paper that the evidence is extraordinary strong -- extra-ordinary."
"Lord!" said Marvel.
"But then, it's a extra-ordinary story. There is a clergyman and a medical gent witnesses, -- saw 'im all right and proper -- or leastways didn't see 'im. He was staying, it says, at the Coach an' Horses, and no one don't seem to have been aware of his misfortune, it says, aware of his misfortune, until in an Altercation in the inn, it says, his bandages on his head was torn off. It was then ob-served that his head was invisible. Attempts were At Once made to secure him, but casting off his garments, it says, he succeeded in escaping, but not until after a desperate struggle, In Which he had inflicted serious injuries, it says, on our worthy and able constable, Mr. J. A. Jaffers. Pretty straight story, eigh? Names and everything."
"Lord!" said Mr. Marvel, looking nervously about him, trying to count the money in his pockets by his unaided sense of touch, and full of a strange and novel idea. "It sounds most astonishing."
"Don't it? Extra-ordinary, I call it. Never heard tell of Invisible Men before, I haven't, but nowadays one hears such a lot of extraordinary things -- that -- "
"That all he did?" asked Marvel, trying to seem at his ease.
"It's enough, ain't it?" said the Mariner.
"Didn't go Back by any chance?" asked Marvel. "Just escaped and that's all, eh?"
"All!" said the Mariner. "Why! -- ain't it enough?"
"Quite enough," said Marvel.
"I should think it was enough," said the Mariner. "I should think it was enough."
"He didn't have any pals -- it don't say he had any pals, does it?" asked Mr. Marvel, anxious.
"Ain't one of a sort enough for you?" asked the Mariner. "No, thank Heaven, as one might say, he didn't."
He nodded his head slowly. "It makes me regular uncomfortable, the bare thought of that chap running about the country! He is at present At Large, and from certain evidence it is supposed that he has -- taken -- took, I suppose they mean -- the road to Port Stowe. You see we're right in it! None of your American wonders, this time. And just think of the things he might do! Where'd you be, if he took a drop over and above, and had a fancy to go for you? Suppose he wants to rob -- who can prevent him? He can trespass, he can burgle, he could walk through a cordon of policemen as easy as me or you could give the slip to a blind man! Easier! For these here blind chaps hear uncommon sharp, I'm told. And where-ever there was liquor he fancied -- "
"He's got a tremenjous advantage, certainly," said Mr. Marvel. "And -- well."
"You're right," said the Mariner. "He has."
All this time Mr. Marvel had been glancing about him intently, listening for faint footfalls, trying to detect imperceptible movements. He seemed on the point of some great resolution. He coughed behind his hand.
He looked about him again, listened, bent towards the Mariner, and lowered his voice: "The fact of it is -- I happen -- to know just a thing or two about this Invisible Man. From private sources."
"Oh!" said the Mariner, interested. "You?"
"Yes," said Mr. Marvel. "Me."
"Indeed!" said the Mariner. "And may I ask -- "
"You'll be astonished," said Mr. Marvel behind his hand. "It's tremenjous."
"Indeed!" said the Mariner.
"The fact is," began Mr. Marvel eagerly in a confidential undertone. Suddenly his expression changed marvellously. "Ow!" he said. He rose stiffly in his seat. His face was eloquent of physical suffering. "Wow!" he said.
"What's up?" said the Mariner, concerned.
"Toothache," said Mr. Marvel, and put his hand to his ear. He caught hold of his books. "I must be getting on, I think," he said. He edged in a curious way along the seat away from his interlocutor. "But you was just agoing to tell me about this here Invisible Man!" protested the Mariner. Mr. Marvel seemed to consult with himself. "Hoax," said a voice. "It's a hoax," said Mr. Marvel.
"But it's in the paper," said the Mariner.
"Hoax all the same," said Marvel. "I know the chap that started the lie. There ain't no Invisible Man whatsoever -- Blimey."
"But how 'bout this paper? D'you mean to say -- ?"
"Not a word of it," said Marvel, stoutly.
The Mariner stared, paper in hand. Mr. Marvel jerkily faced about. "Wait a bit," said the Mariner, rising and speaking slowly, "D'you mean to say -- ?"
"I do," said Mr. Marvel.
"Then why did you let me go on and tell you all this blarsted stuff, then? What d'yer mean by letting a man make a fool of himself like that for? Eigh?"
Mr. Marvel blew out his cheeks. The Mariner was suddenly very red indeed; he clenched his hands. "I been talking here this ten minutes," he said; "and you, you little pot-bellied, leathery-faced son of an old boot, couldn't have the elementary manners -- "
"Don't you come bandying words with me," said Mr. Marvel.
"Bandying words! I'm a jolly good mind -- "
"Come up," said a voice, and Mr. Marvel was suddenly whirled about and started marching off in a curious spasmodic manner. "You'd better move on," said the Mariner. "Who's moving on?" said Mr. Marvel. He was receding obliquely with a curious hurrying gait, with occasional violent jerks forward. Some way along the road he began a muttered monologue, protests and recriminations.
"Silly devil!" said the Mariner, legs wide apart, elbows akimbo, watching the receding figure. "I'll show you, you silly ass, -- hoaxing me!" It's here -- on the paper!"

MJ - Tribute

...THRILLER... by Michael Jackson--------------

...................*CAPO 4th FRET*

(Original Key: C#)Intro:Am C D Am7

Verse 1:

Its close to midnight and something evils lurking in the dark

Under the moonlight you see a sight that almost stops your heart

You try to scream but terror takes the sound before you make it

You start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes,

Youre paralyzed

this is thriller, thriller night

And no ones gonna save you from the beast about strike

You know its thriller, thriller night

Youre fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight

2nd verse

You hear the door slam and realize theres nowhere left to run

You feel the cold hand and wonder if youll ever see the sun

You close your eyes and hope that this is just imagination

But all the while you hear the creature creepin up behind

Youre out of time

this is thriller, thriller night

There aint no second chance against the thing with forty eyes

You know its thriller, thriller night

Youre fighting for your life inside of killer, thriller tonight

Bridge

Night creatures callAnd the dead start to walk in their masquerade

Theres no escapin the jaws of the alien this time(theyre open wide)

This is the end of your life

3rd verse

Theyre out to get you, theres demons closing in on every side

They will possess you unless you change the number on your dial

Now is the time for you and I to cuddle close together

All thru the night Ill save you from the terror on the screen,Ill make you see

this is thriller, thriller nightcause

I can thrill you more than any ghost would dare to try

Girl, this is thriller, thriller night

So let me hold you tight and share a killer, diller, chiller

Thriller here tonight...

Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) received early recognition as a Bengali poet of genius. His later translations into English of his celebrated Gitanjali brought him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 and international fame. Though best known as a poet, Tagore was a remarkable and prolific short-story writer,novelist,essayist as well as an innovative painter and composer of songs.
The book Glimpses of Bengal consists of letters he wrote between 1886 and 1895,as a manager of his family's estates in eastern Bengal (now in Bangladesh) writing from his houseboat to his niece at home in Calcutta. A whole new world of sights and sounds and feelings had opened before him, and he responded with a characteristic blend of humour and sympathy, spontaneity and contemplativeness.
The letters are selected and translated by Krishna Dutta and Andrew Robinson.

June 2nd,1892Shelidah
I hate all the demands of good manners. Nowadays I keep repeating that line: 'Much rather would I be an Arab Bedouin!* Oh for a healthy, strong, unfettered barbarity !
I want to quit this creeping senility of mind and body, constantly preoccupied with ancient quibbles over custom and convention, and feel the joy of a vigorous incautious life; to hold confident, carefree, generous ideas and aspirations- for better or for worse; to break free of this perpetual friction between custom and reason, reason and desire, desire and action. If I could escape utterly the bonds of this restricted life, I would storm the four quarters with wave upon wave of exitement, grab a sturdy horse and tear away on it to the very heights of ecstasy. But I am a Bengali, not a Bedouin ! I sit in my corner, moping and worrying and arguing. My mind is like a fish being fried - first this way up, now the other-blistered by the boiling oil on one side, and then on the other.
Enough of this. Since it is impracticable to be uncivilised, I'd better try to be thoroughly civil - why forment a quarrel between the two ?
* A line from Tagore's poem 'Wild Hopes'(Duranta Asha- 1888)

BeeGees

Too Much Heaven
(chorus)Nobody gets too much heaven no more

It's much harder to come by

I'm waiting in line

Nobody gets too much love anymore

It's as high as a mountainAnd harder to climb

Oh you and me girl

Got a lot of love in store

And it flows through you

And it flows through me

And I love you so much more

Then my life, I can see beyond forever

Everything we are will never die

Love is such a beautiful thing

Oh you make my world a summer day

Are you just a dream to fade away?(chorus)

Ooh you and me girl got a highway to the sky

We can turn away from the night and day

And the tears we had to pay

You're my life I can see a new tomorrow

Everything we are will never die

Love is such a beautiful thing

When you are to me, the light above

Made for all to see our precious love

(chorus)Love is such a beautiful thing

You make my world a summer day

Are you just a dream to fade away?

(chorus)Nobody gets too much love anymore

Its as wide as a river and harder to cross(chorus)

(repeat to fade)

Osho

India is a land of religions. It is also a land of holymen and fake-holymen. The later's tribe is ever increasing. Even a sooth-sayer or charlatan with a few hundred followers can pass off as a god-man or yoga-master. As it often happens,particularly in rural areas where illiteracy is rampant, once a crowd begins to gather around them, the crowd gets bigger and bigger. An act of a magic-trick or two is enough to mesmerise them. In the past these holymen ply their trade at a location near place of worship or beside an almond tree . Now with the advent of many spiritual TV-channels, they shifted their realm to the idiot-box . Many things they say may be regarded as unscientific and superstitious by many other parts of the world, but in India they are accepted with great veneration and without question. And due to fake-holymen , the reputation of the real holymen have are also at stake.

Speaking about real holymen, Osho is certainly one of them. What makes the teaching of Osho so time-tested and relevant today is because he has learned,and in-corporated various spiritual-traditions from all over the world. He was a prolific reader - the most prolific-reader of 20-th century with one of the largest personnel-collection of books in the world - on a vareity of subjects.He experimented with different meditation-techniques and picked the best from them to create his own. So a European can feel the traces of Gurdjieff as well as Greek/Roman mythology , an American feels home with the Red-Indian spiritual traditions, an East-Asian or Indian finds the traces of zen and tantra while an African or West-Asian will find the spirit of voodoo and sufi-whirling dance. All these elements forms the basis of his unique meditation system called Osho Dynamic Meditation.
I dont consider myself a disciple or follower of the Osho sect. But I have an open mind regarding religion and spirituality. When I read the books of Osho or listened to his discourses, I felt fascinated by his teachings. No amount of reading of the so-called, long-winded religious texts had the same effect. But the core of Osho'steachings derive from these texts. From Osho I learned to enjoy life - to live at the moment - ie. the zen way of life. In the Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition, life is seen as mistake , something humans have to be apologistic about. There are certain duties and obligations to perform - but performing them to convince the society or community rather than God. (Orelse the society or community will write you off as evil!) Osho has always been blunt and outright in his criticism of all organised religions. Infact it has earned him many western-followers. But that also got him into trouble, esp. when he visited America. His followers still believe that Reagan administration, under pressure from right-wing groups unfairly targeted him, charging false cases against him. But it is also true that many of his high-profile, infamous disciples met an untimely end, mainly due to the wrong interpretation of Osho's teachings - ie. living to the moment, with drugs, alchohol and free-love. As the enlightened master himself has once said, "My Indian disciples meditate,but will not do anything for me. My Western disciples will do anything for me, but they will not meditate."

courtesy : Osho World -( www.oshoworld.com)

Celina Jaitley

Actress and gay activist Celina Jaitley is up in arms against Baba Ramdev. The yoga guru, who has petitioned against de-criminalising homosexuality, recently said the actress had no idea of “Bharatiya sanskriti” or Indian culture since “she lived away from her parents and changed boyfriends every month.

Celina warns that his words can be deemed to insult the modesty of a woman under Article 509 of the Indian Penal Code, which says, “Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen, by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.”

Celina is clearly annoyed. “It is because of self-proclaimed leaders like him that the whole image of the modern women takes a beating.” The actress insists she is quite familiar with Indian culture. Celina says: “I am the fifth generation of an Army family. Many of my family members have laid down their lives to protect the country. Every drop of their blood has gone into serving the nation. I have the right to protect the integrity of the women in India. - I also won the coveted Miss India title in the year 2001. - Although I have studied science and computers, I have acquired almost 80% of my education in Hindi medium from Kendriya Vidyalaya. - And ironically, I have learnt Sanskrit as a subject till my10th grade. - I have lived all life in the interiors of India. I am proficient in five Indian languages. - I can recite 500 Sanskrit shlokas. - I’m a yoga practitioner since the age of 14.”

The actress also says that despite her achievements, the great “Bramhachari” seems to know more about her “sex life” than she herself. “In any case, I can truly say that he is not a true yoga teacher,” says Celina. “With all due respects, just because he is a yoga maestro, he cannot and does not have the qualification or the degree to diagnose any illness or disease without any medical background; this would fall under medical malpractice. He has the right to teach yoga and help people to use it to their benefit based on prior approval and diagnosis of a trained medical practitioner, but not to make a serious medical diagnosis based on religious beliefs and his own personal perspectives,” Celina adds.
As someone who represents the youth, Celina gives Baba Ramdev credit for contributing to a revival of yoga but adds that it doesn’t make him a “Samaj ka Thekedaar”. She says, “These people prefer to live in a cocooned thought process and don’t wish to come out of it. It’s people like him who mislead innocent followers into believing in a wrong image of the modern working woman, who are beaten mercilessly for going into a bar or a pub.” Check out Celina Jaitley's Homepage
courtesy: The Times of India

Trevor Taylor

I Wanna Hear Your Heartbeat -
Bad Boys Blue
Half awake and half in dreams
on a SundaySunay night.
Walking all alone in the streets
on a SundaySunday night.
But then an angel passed me by
a little angel made me sigh.
Just when I wanted you
a dream came true - called love.
I wanna hear your heartbeat
wanna feel what you need.
Let me stay tonight by your sideby your side.
I wanna hear your heartbeat
share your dreams when you're asleep
Let me hold you tightin the night in the night.
I don't wanna waste one secondwithout your loving
Without youSunday girl.
You only gotta reach outreach out and taste my loving.
Want you soSunday girlohI really want youSunday Girl.
Heaven sent you down to me
on a SundaySunday night.
To rescue me from mistery
on a SundaySunday night.
You made me leave the past behind
I've got you always on my mind
Just when I wanted you
a dream came true - called love.
I wanna hear your heartbeat ...
I wanna hear your heartbeat ...

Dostoevsky

Excerpts from Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel The Idiot :

'And by the way...I 've long meant to ask you, do you believe in God ?' said Rogozhin suddenly, after having gone on a few steps.
'What?' Myshkin stopped short, ' What do you mean?'I was almost joking, and you are so serious! And why do you ask me ?'
'Oh, nothing. I meant to ask you before. Many people don't believe nowadays.'
Rogozhin smiled bitterly. When he had asked his question, he suddenly opened the door and holding the handle, waited for Myshkin to go out. Myshkin was surprised but he went out. Rogozhin followed him on the landing and closed the door behind him. They stood facing one another, as though neither knew where they were and what to do next.
'Good-bye,then' said Myshkin , holding out his hand.'Good-bye,' said Rogozhin , pressing tightly though mechanically the hand that was held out to him.
Myshkin went down a step and turned round.
As to the question of faith,' he began , smiling (he evidently did not want to leave Rogozhin like that) and brightening up at a sudden reminiscence, 'as to the question of faith, I had four different conversations in two days last week. I came in the morning by the new railway and talked for four hours with a man in the train; he made friends on the spot. I had heard a great deal about him beforehand and had heard he was an atheist,among other things. He really is a learned man, and I was delighted at the prospect of talking to a really learned man. What's more, he is a most unusually well-bred man, so that he talked to me quite as if I were his equal in ideas and attainments. He does n't believe in God. Only, one thing struck me : that he seemed not to be talking about that at all.the whole time; and it struck me because whenever I met unbelievers before, or read their books, it always seemed to me that they were speaking and writing in their books about something quite different, although it seemed to be about that on the surface. I said so to him at the time, but I suppose I didn't say so clearly, or didnot know how to express it, for he did n't understand.
In the evening I stopped for the night at a provincial hotel, and a murder had just been committed there the night before, so that every one was talking about it when I arrived. Two peasants, middle-aged men, friends who had known each other for long time and were not drunk , had had tea and were meaning to go to bed in the same room. But one had noticed during those last two days that the other was wearing a silver watch on a yellow bead chain, which he seems not to have seen on him before. The man was not a theif; he was an honest man, in fact, and by a peasant's standard by no means poor. But he was so taken with that watch and so fascinated by it that at last he could not restrain himself. He took a knife, and when his friend had turned away, he approached him cautiously from behind, took aim, and turned his eyes heavenwards, crossed himself, and praying fervently , " God forgive me for Christ's sake!" he cut his friend's throat at one stroke like a sheep and took his watch.'
Rogozhin went off into peals of laughter; he laughed as though he were in a sort of fit. It was positively strange to see such laughter after the gloomy mood that had preceded it.
'I do like that!Yes, that beats everything!' he cried convulsively, gasping for breath. 'One man doesn't believe in God at all, while the other believes in Him so thoroughly that he prays as he murders men!... You could never have invented that, brother!Ha-ha-ha! That beats everything.'

POP-ICON

For all these years, I have enjoyed music and performances of Michael Jackson but cared little about his personnel details. Now his untimely death and the subsequent media-frenzy has enabled me to know more about the enigmatic star. For instance I did not know that he was a virgo. Like all virgos, he's sensitive, sympathetic and sensual. But for a true music-lover his creative outpour that mattered the most. As for those interested more on his personnel life,it is their problem. And more enigmatic and reclusive the star, more the media scrutiny. MJ was very much a product of his times- the rebellious 70-s and it is unlikely that the current generation could easily identify with his life's struggles.

I discovered MJ rather late - ie. during the teen-years. Many fans have been saying the past week or so, 'I grew up with Michael Jackson's music' . The same cannot be said in my case. For me ABBA and to some extent Boney-M fills that place.But to compare a music-troupe like ABBA with the one-man troupe of Michael Jackson (except his early years) will be unfair.The former held its sway only for a decade while the later's career was stretched overa span of 4-decades. MJ was a prodigy who started early (and burned out early).Michael Jackson's style of music - a blend of rock,pop and R&B -refuse to become out-dated.Many music-styles have come and gone but MJ's style always with stood the test of times.

In the early 80's,I had only vague memories of his super-hit 'Thriller'. By mid 80's I became familiar with some of those hits but still did not know the singer. And finally I got familiar with his name, I often confuse it with another Michael - ie. George Michael who was also equally popular. Then came out the album 'Bad'(1987). My friend went ga-ga over it and even gave me its audio-cassette to listen for a few days. I liked it and even got it recorded into my tape (which I still have with me). Thus begin my love-affair with the king of pop.. Next year, he recieved the Grammy and also gave some memorable stage performances, which I watched live on TV. I remember my father then asking me,'who is she ?'
The same year I came across the lyrics of 'Bad' album in a magazine.On the top of it was clearly written,' lyrics by Michael Jackson'. Then only I knew that MJ wrote almost all his lyrics and even composed it himself. Now I looked at him as more than a singer and performer. For someone who used to the standard bollywood custom where lyrics, composition, singing, choregraphy, performing all are done by different hand-picked individualS, Michael Jackson's was truly a one-man show ! And what a spectacular show those were !
Now his show has finally come to an end. The star has vanished. It ended the way he staged it - enigmatically and mysteriouslly. It was like a broadway-show that conducted uninterruptedly for many years, mesmerising the audiences and finally calls it a day. As the curtain comes down, what remains is a retrospective of old moments -thanks to the media. But it will not late while the audience realise with regret that all good things come to an end. Still some allege that his creative powers are only the out-come of drug-abuse which is baseless. The vice-versa is more true though drug-abuse is hardly a justification. MJ was many things roled into one which needed a super-human effort to sustain. Perhaps he took the wrong route.
Even the harshest critics will agree that Mike Tyson, despite his madness on and off the ring, is one of the greatest boxers of all time. Similarly, despite all his eccentricities Michael Jackson ,for a long time to come,will remain the undisptuted 'King of pop' .

T- 20 World Cup

Congratulations Pakistan for their astounding victory over favourites Srilanka to lift the T-20 cricket World Cup at Lords stadium, London. The early dismissal of in-form Tilakaratne Dilshan (who became Man of the Series) costed Srilanka dearly. Pakistan once again proved their mettle in crunch situations and delivered when it mattered most. But I must admit, due to geographichal & cultural proximity I was more on the side of Srilanka. And the final match brought me the memories of the only International cricket-match I've watched live at a stadium : that was a group-match between Srilanka and Pakistan in 1999, at Sharjah(UAE). That match ended in a tie - a rarity in cricket-(and full value for money).

But Pakistan's unexpected success was more akin to their 1992-ODI worldcup victory. In that tournament,they luckily reached the semis already battered and bruised. Their opponents England, like Srilanka in this tournament, cruised undefeated to enter the finals. Pakistan then unleashed all their brilliance in next two games and rest is history! Imran Khan's men clinched the ODI-Worldcup. The success of Younis Khan and co. is of no lesser significance.
While Pakistan achieved success fighting against all odds, opposite was the case of India. The previous champs never really existed as a team but as a bunch of celebrities with media, big-business,bollywood - all joining the bandwagon but came to crushing halt when they were eliminated at the priliminary stage. They should have realised that sport is real, unlike bollywood.
Anyway it is heartening to see that two teams from South Asia is doing well at a sports arena. Infact South Asia has always been in the news for the wrong reasons. The attack on Srilankan cricketers at Lahore is fresh in the memory. South Asian countries are like brothers with many similarities in culture and traditions. But it was the differences which has long been overlooked and the polititians are largerly responsible for this.But in the Gulf countries, they often live,work and eat together under a common roof in cordial relations with a sole aim- to attain a better life .

Reading

Now a days I am suffering from a ' readers block'. Whenever I takes a book and sits down to read, I cannot consentrate. The mind is wavering . Hardly I could complete a paragraph. I know this could happen to writers but never knew readers too suffer from such ' blocks'. Perhaps I was reading too much - ie. too many books on too many variety of topics.
It started off early this year with H.G Wells ' Invisible Man' which read two times in one go. After that , I began reading a collection of H.G Wells short-stories ( which I have n't finished yet) . Subsequently I read or re-read some Sherlock Holmes mysteries such as Sign of Four, Study in Scarlett and The Case Book. Now I can say I have read atleast half of Sherlock Holmes mysteries twice. Continueing with 19-th century , then I picked up to my most favourite author Fyodor Dostoveysky's ' Idiot'. Infact I read this book 5/6 years ago but could n't finish it. Then a few weeks ago, I stumbled into an old second-hand copy of ' Gulliver's Travels' by Swift. Out of curiosity I began reading it too. So at one point of time, I was reading 4- different authors at different times of the day, if not week . Perhaps that was too much for the brain and resulted in a system-crash !
But it was n't all too bad to read them simultaneously . Infact it was an enriching and enlightning experience to read works of these masters. All were set in previous centuries also helped . And there is one thing in common in all four authors - Swift , Dostoyevsky, Conan Doyle & H.G Wells - though their styles may differ. All their stories deals with human beings at their most awkward
and unpleasant situations. All of them have a rather pessimistic view of humanity in general. Perhaps that's why they are all appealing to me.
Ever since my return from Jeddah two years ago and completing a computer-graphics/interior-designing course , I never had much time to read fiction . So when I finally got some spare time this summer, I made good use of it. Now it is take time-off from reading for a few weeks and enjoy outdoor activities. Esp. when the weather is so wonderfull - similar to that of a Sherlock Holmes story.

Monsoon

The monsoon season has finally arrived. Those who predicted its early onset and a late onset were proven wrong. It is neither too early nor too late. Infact the confusion occured due to the last-week's summer rain. So both got mixed up. But it is not too difficult to distinguish a summer-rain from monsoon-rain. The former is accompanied by gusty-winds,thunder-storms, lightning,squalls or even a north-wester. A bit scary stuff. The monsoon rain is cool,calm and steady.
With the change of season one has to change the habits too. For the past two-and-half months, I have been keeping largerly indoors to hide from the sun. Now it is the sun who is to go hiding, for weeks if not for many days. Dietary habits also need alteration. I can no longer indulge in ice-creams, fruit-juices and soft-drinks. Instead it is time for a hot-soup, herbal-tea, noodles, spice-coffee or an occasional cappuccino. Water is often drunk after boiling in cumin or coriander seeds.

Micheal Jackson

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"

Written and composed by Michael Jackson

Lovely is the feelin' now

Fever, temperatures risin' now

Power (ah power) is the force the vow

That makes it happenIt asks no questions why (ooh)

So get closer (closer now) to my body now

Just love me 'til you don't know how (ooh)

Keep on with the force don't stopDon't stop 'til you get enough

Keep on with the force don't stopDon't stop 'til you get enough

Keep on with the force don't stopDon't stop 'til you get enough

Keep on with the force don't stopDon't stop 'til you get enough

Touch me and I feel on fire

Ain't nothin' like a love desire (ooh)

I'm melting (I'm melting) like hot candle wax

Sensation (ah sensation) lovely where we're at (ooh)

So let love take us through the hoursI won't be complainin''

Cause this is love power (ooh)

Keep on with the force don't stop

Don't stop 'til you get enoughKeep on with the force don't stop

Don't stop 'til you get enoughKeep on with the force don't stop

Don't stop 'til you get enoughKeep on with the force don't stop

Don't stop 'til you get enough Ooh..

Barack Obama

The following is a transcript of President Barack Obama's speech at Cairo University in Egypt:

Cairo, Egypt
June 4, 2009
I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum.
We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world - tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.
Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.
So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles - principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do - to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.
Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.
As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam - at places like Al-Azhar University - that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.
I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers - Thomas Jefferson - kept in his personal library.
So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.
But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words - within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: "Out of many, one."
Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores - that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.
Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.
So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations - to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.
Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.
For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. And when innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.
This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.
That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: we must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.
The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.
In Ankara, I made clear that America is not - and never will be - at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.
The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.
Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.
That's why we're partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths - more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism - it is an important part of promoting peace.
We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.
Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."
Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future - and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. That is why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.
And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.
So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.
The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.
America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.
Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed - more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant, and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction - or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews - is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.
On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people - Muslims and Christians - have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations - large and small - that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.
For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It is easy to point fingers - for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.
That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them - and all of us - to live up to our responsibilities.
Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign of neither courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed; that is how it is surrendered.
Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist.
At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.
Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.
Finally, the Arab States must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state; to recognize Israel's legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.
America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.
Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.
The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.
This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.
It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.
I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation - including Iran - should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.
The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.
I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.
That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.
There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments - provided they govern with respect for all their people.
This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.
The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.
Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it is being challenged in many different ways.
Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of another's. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld - whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.
Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That is why I am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.
Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit - for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.
Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's Interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action - whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.
The sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.
I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.
Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity - men and women - to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.
Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.
I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing communities. In all nations - including my own - this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities - those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.
But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.
This is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.
On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.
On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.
On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new Science Envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, and grow new crops. And today I am announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.
All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.
The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek - a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.
I know there are many - Muslim and non-Muslim - who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort - that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country - you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort - a sustained effort - to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples - a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."
The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."
The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.

courtesy : The Washington Post